Familiar Opponent for Ruiz

Forgive Carlos Ruiz if he somehow scores an own-goal tonight at the Rose Bowl.

The rookie Galaxy forward is, after all, only six games into his Major League Soccer career after spending six of the previous seven years with the Galaxy’s opponent, CSD Municipal of Guatemala, in an international “friendly” exhibition.

“It’s going to be very emotional,” said Ruiz, a native of Guatemala who is leading MLS in scoring (12 points) and goals (six). “I still have a lot of friends on the team and a lot of good memories. It will be fun.”

But besides sharing laughs and war stories, the Rojos will be a stern test for the Galaxy, which is coming off a 2-1 overtime victory at Kansas City.

Municipal, an 18-time league champion, is unbeaten in 14 league matches, has scored 52 goals and, with 38 points, is 12 points ahead of second-place Comunicaciones.

“They’re a team that’s very talented but it’s a game that our guys are looking forward to,” Galaxy Coach Sigi Schmid said.

GALAXY TONIGHT

vs. CSD Municipal, 7:30

Site--Rose Bowl.

Radio--KTNQ (1020, Spanish).

Update--Municipal forward Guillermo Ramirez leads the Torneo Clausura with 19 goals.... Ruiz suffered a concussion late in the Galaxy’s win at Kansas City but should play.

Tickets--(877) 342-5299.